Several years back, Bev and I made the 33.5-mile Milford Track, considered by many to be the world’s greatest wilderness walk. Limited to groups of 40 every departure date, we found this 5-day/4-night trek to be among the most exhilarating outdoor activities we have experienced anywhere. The various flora/fauna and the contrasts of lush, verdant valleys with mountain vistas are magnificent. The Spartan, yet very comfortable, overnight lodges (sorry, no Peninsula here!) offer tasty, robust food and a fun group dynamic. With a limited late October – late April season, the Milford Track should be booked at least nine months in advance.
Hiking and idyllic walks being among our favorite Lynch Family global travel activities, we feel New Zealand’s extraordinary “Milford Track” to be truly the “finest walk in the world(!),” as proclaimed by the poet Blanche Baughan over 100 years ago. Located in the picturesque mountains and temperate rainforests of Fiordland National Park, on New Zealand’s South Island, this is one of the globe’s great family outdoor hiking adventures.
We fully agree with Trinity College professor Shane O’Mara’s observation of the remarkable benefits of walking:
Walking improves our moods, our clarity of thought, our creativity, as well as our humanity and connectedness to our social and natural worlds. Walk we must and walk we should!
Milford Track Overview
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Route: Te Anau – Glade Wharf – Milford Sound
Distance: 33.5 miles (54 km)
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging (fully guided and supported)
The medium level difficulty 33 mi trail (for ages 11 and above) starts at the head of Lake Te Anau (near Queenstown) and ends at otherworldly Milford Sound, traversing lush, green rainforests, wetlands and a striking alpine pass.
Though spartan, the fully staffed, clean Milford Track en-route lodges (Glade House, Pompolona Lodge, Quintin Lodge, and Mitre Peak Lodge) offer a casual, congenial atmosphere, along with delicious and healthy local New Zealand dishes.
Daily Summary (In a Nutshell)
*Expect three-course dinners, hot showers, private rooms, and a briefing at each lodge.
Day 1 – Te Anau to Glade House
Short walk (1 mile) to the lodge after a boat transfer across Lake Te Anau. The primary focus today is settling in, getting introduced to the environment, and meeting fellow hikers!
Accommodation: Glade House Lodge
Day 2 – Glade House to Pompolona Lodge
10 miles / 5–7 hrs. The hike begins with a gentle valley ascent alongside the Clinton River, before climbing a more varied rainforest terrain.
Accommodation: Pompolona Lodge
Day 3 – Pompolona to Quintin Lodge (via Mackinnon Pass)
9 miles / 6–8 hrs. This is the most challenging day, including a climb over the alpine pass, which is the highest point of the track (McKinnon Pass / Omanui – (3,600 ft / 1,150 m), before descending into the Arthur Valley. The panoramic mountain views are much worth the strain/hustle!
Accommodation: Quintin Lodge
Day 4 – Quintin to Mitre Peak Lodge (Milford Sound)
13 miles / 6–8 hrs. The walk today is mostly downhill through rainforest and along the riverside toward sea level. Once reaching the track’s end at Milford Sound, enjoy waterfalls + clear pools before transferring by boat across Milford Sound to Mitre Peak Lodge.
Accommodation: Mitre Peak Lodge
Day 5 – Milford Sound Cruise & Return to Queenstown
There is no hiking on this final day! Day five includes a morning Milford Sound cruise to see waterfalls and wildlife (seals and dolphins!). Then, return to Queenstown by bus (or as we recommend from our experience, a helicopter experience over Milford Sound).
Lodge Experience
After arriving at each lodge, hikers are welcomed with afternoon tea and a hot shower before dinner. Dinner – a hearty, three-course meal, is served communally (we found it perfect for bonding with our fellow trekkers)! Additionally, expert guides provide a short briefing on what to expect for the next day.
Breakfasts are hearty and served before setting out each morning. These are pretty basic – think continental and cooked options (cereal, fruit, toast, pastries, eggs, bacon, etc.). Lunches are self-assembled from a daily spread of wraps, breads, sandwich fillings, salads, fruit, and snacks.
Packing Expectations
Each traveler is expected to carry their own pack throughout the journey, with backpacks provided by Ultimate Hikes. To keep the load around 15 pounds, we suggest packing one “trail outfit” (base layers included) and one “lodge outfit” to change into each evening, utilizing the hand-washing stations at each lodge along the way.
Given the region’s famously changeable weather, the basics are required for hiking: rain gear, thermal layers, hiking pants, and a quick-dry hiking shirt. Additionally, most trekkers appreciate having something dry and cozy to change into at the lodges after a long day on the trail. A favorite comfort tip from our experience: pack one pair of thick, soft socks that you keep completely dry for the evenings. Each lodge has a drying room for wet gear, so you can hang items overnight if needed.
Before your trip, we’ll provide a full checklist of items to bring, so you’ll be perfectly prepared for the journey!
In Case of Emergency
Safety standards in New Zealand are excellent (!) and Ultimate Hikes has detailed risk management procedures in place. Should a trekker be unable to continue the walk (for example, due to injury), evacuation would be handled by helicopter. Each lodge has a designated helipad, and there are other accessible landing areas along the track. This is one reason we strongly recommend travel insurance, as helicopter evacuations can be expensive if needed unexpectedly.
Operating from late October to April, the Milford Track is limited to only 40 people per day (bookings must be made nine months to a year in advance), with the entire trek lasting 4 nights/5 days.
